Editor’s note: It’s Politics reports Saturdays on the ins and outs of Whittier-area politics and city government.

One part of Assemblyman Tony Mendoza’s anti-gang package is moving forward, while another has been delayed until 2008.

The Senate Public Safety Committee voted 3-0 to approve AB1291, which would require parents of gang members to take parenting classes. It next goes to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

In order to get approval, Mendoza agreed to two amendments.

One would assure that parents of gang members meet face to face with other families victimized by gang violence.

“The amendments we’ve recently made will ensure that participants of the parenting classes come face to face with the devastating results that may await their family if they don’t make every effort to keep their kids from joining a gang,” Mendoza said.

The second amendment would allow a judge to waive the cost of the class if a family cannot afford to pay.

AB 1290, the second part of the package, which would help law enforcement agencies share resources, has been put on hold until a task force Mendoza is setting up can come up with a plan.

“We have a tremendous opportunity to put together an entire project that will not only combat gang violence through more closely coordinated law enforcement but that will also bring together cities, community organizations, businesses and other experts to create jobs, educational programs and positive recreational activities as an alternative to the gang lifestyle,” Mendoza said.

APPOINTMENT: State Sen. Ron Calderon, D-Montebello, has been appointed to the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee.

Consumer protection, business development and standards for a wide array of professions are issues of importance for this committee.

“B and P is the estuary of California’s economy,” Calderon said. “Issues confronting consumers, small business owners, licensed professionals and industry and labor often come together before this committee and I am thrilled to be on it because it is so vital to our state’s economic well being.”

DEMOCRATIC PARTY REPORT: Ken Maxey, deputy political director for the California Democratic Party and the Democratic National Committee, will speak at the 6 p.m. Monday dinner meeting of the Robert F. Kennedy Democratic Club.

The meeting will be held at Sizzler Restaurant, 15252 E. Rosecrans Ave., La Mirada.

CLUB WINNERS: Jeanette Jenkins has received the RFK Democrat of the Year award at the Robert F. Kennedy Democratic Club’s annual lunch.

Other awards went to Betty Wolfe of La Mirada, president’s award; Monika Broome, the community service award; and Whittier Mayor Owen Newcomer, public service award.

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